Clara T. (Ceruti) Barillaro

MERIDEN - Claire Barillaro, 83, of Meriden, went home to be with The Lord and her late husband, Anthony Barillaro, on Monday, June 15, 2009, surrounded by her family, at Midstate Medical Center, after a six year struggle with C.O.P.D.

She was born in Meriden on Oct. 27 1925, to the late Charles Ceruti and Minnie (Malchodi) Ceruti. She often expressed how much she loved growing up on her family owned farm on North Broad St. Her father, Charles (Carlo Ceruti) was one of the founders of the North Italian Home Club. He also owned Chas Ceruti Fruit Store on Pratt Street in the 20s and 30s, and later owned a gas station on East Main Street, uptown.

She was predeceased by brothers, Louis, of Florida, Albert, Francis Ceruti and sister Gloria Dankiw, of Meriden. She was married June 9, 1947, in Meriden, moved and resided for 22 years in southern California, where she and Tony raised three children. They moved back to Meriden in August of 1970 to be with family, at which time her niece, Robin Ceruti came to live with them. She graduated from Meriden High School and was employed by New Departure, prior to moving to California. She loved being a wife, mother and homemaker, always baking and cooking, often times for large numbers, especially during the holidays. She was an avid reader, with Gardening being a favorite outdoor pastime, here in Connecticut as well as in California. She and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by spending seven days in Hawaii with her daughter and son-in-law and then flew on to California to continue the celebration with her sons and daughter, family and friends. Many times in her life she commented on what a good life she had. Claire devoted her life to her family by being the best wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother, second to none. Her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson lived with her for the past six years, and in spite of being wheelchair bound for the last six years, she was happy and content. She loved life and found joy in many things, such as watching the "Yankess Win" and even watching the "Red Sox Lose". She got special pleasures in playing board games with her grandson, Duke, and giving treats to her little dog, "Peaches". Her daily phone calls from her son, Kevin in California was part of her routine, and if she did not hear from him, she was concerned. She beat great odds during those years with her illness, and her relationship with the Lord became more evident as she fought to the end.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Stuart Andrade and grandson, Duke; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Fran Barillaro; and granddaughter, Gina Barillaro, son, Danny Barillaro and life partner, Rondo Mieczkowski; niece, Robin and husband, Rudy Simchak and their sons, Kyle and Chad.

She is survived by sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins and many lifelong and childhood friends. She was a long time member of St. Rose of Lima Church.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial to be held on Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center St., Meriden. Entombment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Meriden. Friends may call at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 E. Main St., Meriden on Friday, June 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to The Meriden Humane Society, 311 Murdock Ave., Meriden, CT 06450.